Dirt Showdown announced, first trailer

Codemasters have today announced Dirt Showdown, an “extension” to the popular Dirt series (the latest of which, Dirt 3, was just named in our top 25 games of 2011 countdown). It’s due May 2012 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Debut trailer can be found below. “DiRT Showdown is not the sequel to the authentic rally-centric DiRT 3, but a brand new experience from the DiRT team,” said Julian Widdows, VP of development for Codemasters. “We’re building on Codemasters Racing Studio’s world-class strengths in track design, graphics, AI, damage and online to create a new theatre of racing with the emphasis on accessibility and fun from race one.” Showdown will pack three primary event types; Races, Demolition Derby and Hoonigan. Races will take place on track featuring “ramps, multiple routes and obstacles” – the use of nitrous to “blast past rivals” also seems to play a big part, according to the press release. Demolition Derby events involve you smashing the competition to oblivion and Hoonigan puts you in a stunt park and tasks you with sending fans “wild” by using “accessible new controls” to “become a freestyle driving hero”. 50 different events over the course of four championships are promised, as are locations such as London, Tokyo, Miami and San Francisco. Split-screen multiplayer and eight-player online will “come as standard”. “DiRT Showdown charges into the arcade racing space with a uniquely Codemasters feel,” said Mike Chapman, senior games designer. “Whether players are using nitrous to boost, smashing into their opponents or pulling off stunts, DiRT Showdown’s fresh handling system and super-charged damage engine embed excitement into every event.” I hope he’s right. I love myself a good arcade racer. [video2=2618]